Wisconsin vs UCLA Prediction 3/14/25 College Basketball Picks

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Wisconsin

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving UCLA

-Recent betting trends in games played between Wisconsin and UCLA

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Badgers and Bruins. 

Key Game for UCLA

This is the first game for UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament, and they will have the fresher legs. In the last game against USC, UCLA scored 90 points and won by 27 points. UCLA’s offense was impressive, and they shot 61.7 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from behind the three-point line. They allowed USC to shoot over 42 percent, but it wasn’t a real competition. Eric Dailey Jr couldn’t be slowed down, and he put up 25 points and five rebounds. 

UCLA sits with a 22-9 record overall, and they have confidence that they can be the team that wins this tournament. UCLA averages 74.9 points, while their defense gives up 65.1 points per game. The offense is good, but the real strength is with the defense. Tyler Bilodeau is the team’s top player, averaging 14 points while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from behind deep. 

Wisconsin Needs A Fast Start

Wisconsin needs a fast start, much like they did on Thursday against the Northwestern Wildcats. Wisconsin scored 70 points, and they ended up winning by seven points. John Tonje had a huge game, putting up 18 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. He has had a huge season, and he’s the key player for this team. Forward Nolan Winter also stepped up, finishing with 18 points. Wisconsin shot 41.5 percent from the field and made 18 free throws, which ended up keeping them ahead. They also allowed Northwestern to make 18 free throws, and they will need to do a better job of keeping UCLA off the foul line. 

Wisconsin sits with a 24-8 record, and they have leaned on the offense. Years past it’s been about the defense for the Badgers, but this year, the offense has been leaned on. Wisconsin is averaging 80.8 points, while their defense is giving up 70.9 points per game. Tonjie has stepped up, and he’s averaging 18.9 points while shooting 46 percent from the field. 

Matchup League Facts

• UCLA ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.3).
• UCLA ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (30.9).
• Wisconsin ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (118.0).
• Wisconsin ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (103.7).

Wisconsin vs UCLA Prediction

I am not sure the fresh legs of UCLA is going to help them, it will actually hurt them. It will take them a little while to get into this game, and it will be too late against a team that is already rolling. At halftime, Wisconsin was up by seven points, and in the second half, they continued the success. UCLA’s offense has been fine, but I expect the Badgers defense to step up like they did against Northwestern, which will end up being the difference. The Badgers will come out on top. Back Wisconsin to cover the spread. This is a game that is ripe for an alternative spread. Wisconsin can win this game by eight or nine points.